Friday, January 9, 2015

I hope everyone enjoyed (or IS enjoying) Tennis Shoes Vol. 12:Drums of Desolation. I'm very proud of this book. It's one of my finest works. It was truly a story of great care and detail, and, I hope, FUN! Most readers might be surprised to reflect that the whole story only covered two or three days. As readers know, those were several very INTENSE days. I hope readers enjoyed that the Akish (subplot) finally had a rousing conclusion, and I hope they appreciated the introduction of great new characters like Muskah (yeah, he's a battle mammoth, but pretty cool). And the scenes with Harry while captive among the Lamanites remain some of the finest stuff I've ever written. (Those who've read the books realize what I mean.) I know there remain many questions still unanswered. Trust me. They will all be answered. And Gidgiddoniah with a love interest?? I envisioned that twist from the time I decided to merge the Tennis Shoes Series with the Zarahemla Series. Having said that, both characters come from very different places emotionally and I don't know how it will all work out. I know that must sound crazy that even the author doesn't quite know how it will turn out. This is when writers use that famous (and agonizing) quote: "I just let the characters write themselves." In other words, actions and decisions have to be true and real to the circumstances, and sometimes I need to flesh out those circumstances before I fully know the results.

Having rambled on about all that, I hope all customers over Christmas appreciated getting "free items" with every purchase. Most people asked for a copy of the DVD Passage to Zarahemla, but I've had many also request my book Muckwhip's Guide to Capturing the Latter-day Soul, and the hardbound edition of A Return to Christmas as well as the music "Whispered Visions" from the movie Passage to Zarahemla. I love those songs. That music CD is the only thing I've ever created that I enjoy as a consumer. I don't enjoy my books because I know how they all end. But music! It often comes into my ears as if I didn't have anything to do with composing or even singing; I just enjoy them like any other listener.

I STILL HAVE MANY FREE ITEMS ON HAND! Even those who ordered LDS items from me on Amazon last year noted my occasional "secret gift" with their orders. It was my way of blowing away the competition, whether Deseret Book or Seagull or Amazon. AND I'LL CONTINUE TO DO SO! When you call me directly to place an order for any usual product using my phone number above (and talking with me. I'm really not that famous, so please don't hesitate to call), just let me know what "free item" you would like your order to include. Here's a more concise list of free items:

--DVD of Passage to Zarahemla
--Novel of Passage to Zarahemla
--"Whispered Visions" music from Passage to Zarahemla
--Muckwhip's Guide to Capturing the Latter-Day Soul
--A Return to Christmas (Ballantine hardbound edition)

There are also several items you can add to any order for a deep discount:

I may also be the only place right now that you can still get the 1-5 Audio Gift Sets (6-10 is on backorder but should be available soon) or the BOOK Gift Sets of 1-6 and 7-12. Costco was the only store where this special set was available before Christmas. Well, Costco and, of course, THE AUTHOR HIMSELF. You will save a ton a money if you suddenly want an entire autographed collection of the books. ALL BOOKS and CDS and DVDS are signed by me. Those who call 801-870-2070 can request that they be signed in way that is "personalized". In other words, signed to just your family or to an individual who might be getting them for a birthday or other occasion.

I thank everyone profoundly for all the support and success we achieved this season. Now I am braced for the barrage of questions from fans asking "When the NEXT Tennis Shoes is coming out?" Well, I'm writing it. I'm writing it even today. But it's too soon to predict a release. I hope later this year. But I'd have to write fast to meet that goal. A safer bet would be the spring of 2016. In any case, you won't be waiting YEARS (plural). The title will be Thorns of Glory. I'm excited about the unfolding story and enjoying watching it come to life. THANK YOU, THANK YOU FOR YOUR READERSHIP!